Federal Highway Administration November 18, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FHWA is soliciting comments concerning the creation of a regulation establishing National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS). The FHWA is considering the establishment of NTIS by adding Subpart E to 23 CFR Part 650. The NTIS would set minimum tunnel inspection standards that apply to all Federal-aid highway tunnels on public roads. The FHWA anticipates that NTIS could be modeled after the existing National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) regulation, found at 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart C, as applicable. The NTIS likely would include requirements for inspection procedures for structural, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and ventilation systems, and other major elements specific to tunnels such as tunnel finishes; the qualification and training of inspectors; and a National Tunnel Inventory.